How to Feed Birds Cheap (cheep?)

We love to feed the birds. It seems especially important to make sure they have a high fat diet during the rough winters we've been having lately. Unfortunately the cost of suet is really high. Luckily a friend gave me this recipe to try. By buying my ingredients at a discount store, where I can buy in bulk from bins, the cost is pennies instead of dollars. The birds appreciate it, and we're pretty happy too.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Use a double-boiler (or set a metal bowl inside a pot of water) to melt 3/4 pound of lard. Allow lard to cool a bit then pour into bowl. Lard can be purchased at most grocery stores. It comes in a can or foil wrapped cubes.

2. Add 1 cup of sesame seeds, 1 cup sunflower seeds (hulls removed), 1 cup crushed crackers, 1/3 cup raisins, 1/4 cup peanut butter. Stir.

3. Refrigerate overnight until it hardens. Scoop into suet feeder or mesh netting. Hang in tree where cats cannot reach.
   
   Makes 1 1/2 cups.
   
   In order to learn what birds are visiting your feeder, or to order a suet holder, check out the resource box below.

4. Do some research on the local birds and see what kinds of seeds they prefer. Vary recipe to suit them.